Seeing that it’s your birthday, andUnconditionally, you are loved,Kindness and compassion your best qualities,Uncompromisingly you give and protect,Making sure your treasure those you loveAnd so I end with a simpleReminder, acrostics aren’t always an easy way out.

AN: So it is my nephew’s 21st birthday today and I am really proud of the young man that he is becoming. It has been my blessing and privileged to be a part of his life and watch him grow and I look forward to seeing him continue on in his journey.

HAPPY 21st Birthday Ajith!!!

Because he likes this photo and it was a toss up between this and 2 year old him

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I am very proud to share some exciting news. This year three of my poems have been chosen to appear in Scarborough Arts Juried Exhibition and book – The Big Art Book: Something Different.

Scarborough Art’s theme for the Big Book this year really spoke to me; “Something Different” is about celebrating what makes each creator different and unique. Through this theme the acknowledge the unique worldview of every artist and the ways in which this creates and sparks dialogue.

I will admit finding the poems that reflected what made me unique as an artist was the hardest thing I had ever done (especially within the word count limits). In the end, I settled on 3 poems that spoke to the core of who I am; what I grew up believing in; what inspired me; and where I struggle with my craft.

I was very blessed to have all three poems chosen for publication.

“To my sisters” – One of the first poems that I wrote when I began my 2016 challenge. It was my way to thank the many wonderful women in my life – from my mom; sister; aunts; mom’s best friends; my best friends; cousins; and so on. Women who taught me what it means to be strong, gentle, kind, brave, smart, beautiful and loving. Women who taught me how to walk in the rain and sun.

“Titles” – A more recent poem, Titles has always been my creative frustration. I admit that I loved academia because the title of your paper was just a combination of the words that made you sound the smartest (partially kidding). In honesty, writing a title is my final act of creating a poem, and thus it has always been my least favourite activity. I am never to end a poem nor let it go into the world.

“Strong Women in Summer Storms” – I think — no– I know I was feeling romantic that day. I looked at the people I knew- the women, whose very nature transforms everything around them and I felt such gratitude for women who don’t heed the way that things were always done. For women, who love even when the world and media tells them that they are not enough. I looked at the men, the causes, the people that these women loved and how much life they gave, and it reminded me of summer storms. Full of passion and wildness – and I went huh, that’s all the women I know, even the ones who make you believe they are quiet.

Speaking of powerful and inspiring women – I am so proud and excited to say not only did the phenomenal Thiviyaa Seha, the artist behind Art by Thiviyaa, also have all 3 of her submissions chosen BUT her work was chosen to be displayed as Juror’s Choice display. I am so proud and moved to see the work of this masterful artist getting the recognition she deserves.

There are very few places that we get to celebrate and share exhibits. Scarborough Arts Big Art Book gives me the chance to share a creative legacy with someone I truly love and admire. For that opportunity, Scarborough Arts and the Big Art Book will always have a special place in my heart.

Here is a sneak peak of Thiviyaa’s breathtaking work – definitely come check it out in person.

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The opening reception is free and open to everyone. Please RSVP using the link below.

AN: I haven’t posted for two days, and it made me consider what I wanted to do now that the 2016 challenge was over – I have been on a bit of auto-pilot with the poems – just in that I am trying to challenge myself to grow, learn and expand my horizons. I will be making some changes to the blog.

AN: I have a group of friends heading off to Thailand, want to wish them a safe and wonderful trip. When I was stuck in my head yesterday, she told me to write about what I wished out of my trip and traveling. So, I thought, well what do I wish for her and them 🙂

I hope they have an excellent time and safe travels with lots of love, laughter, and adventure.